Fenway may be evolving into more than just a ballpark neighborhood, and just landed its first lab tenant.
Decibel Therapeutics, a company focused on discovering and developing new medicines to protect, repair and restore hearing moved into its new headquarters and lab space in Samuels & Associates’ Van Ness mixed-use development at 1325 Boylston St., bringing 50 biotechnology jobs to Boston.
The first biotech company to move into the area, Decibel joins a burgeoning health and technology hub, heralding a broader shift in The Fenway’s transformation.
According to a news source, Decibel’s 32,000-square-foot facility in Van Ness features state-of-the-art laboratory space and work environments designed to foster collaboration across disciplines. The highly integrated environment will enable Decibel to scale its operations, build internal scientific capabilities and move programs into clinical development.
Decibel was launched in October 2015 by Third Rock Ventures, a leading healthcare venture firm focused on disruptive areas of science and medicine to discover, launch and build companies that make a dramatic difference in people’s lives.
“We’re very excited to be one of the first big idea biotech companies to move to The Fenway and bring innovative, meaningful businesses to the city of Boston,” said Kevin Starr, chairman of Decibel Therapeutics and partner at Third Rock Ventures. “Third Rock’s home has always been in Boston, and we see The Fenway as the next frontier to create an ecosystem of people and companies focused on groundbreaking science and making a difference for patients.”
“Decibel’s headquarters and lab really mark a tipping point for health innovation companies falling in love with The Fenway,” said Peter Sougarides, principal, Samuels & Associates.
“From PULSE@MassChallenge to Optum and now Decibel, companies of all sizes are drawn to our flexible spaces, proximity to the Longwood Medical Area and downtown, and amenities from parks to hot restaurants right outside the office.”
Van Ness, which opened in summer 2015, consists of a residential tower and an office tower – built on spec and fully leased as of summer 2016 – both atop a 165,000-square-foot retail base with a variety of shops and restaurants.
